BEIJING, Nov 7 (Alliance News): At the 17th Belt and Road Eco-Agriculture and Food Safety Forum in Shanghai, Xu Xinjian, Chief Inspector of Anti-Monopoly at the State Administration for Market Regulation, underscored the importance of strengthening shared food safety governance under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Xu emphasized that the growing global demand for a better quality of life and the challenges posed by climate change and economic uncertainty make international cooperation on food security and agricultural production crucial.
Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), echoed this sentiment, calling food security a global priority that requires enhanced collaboration between nations.
China has made significant strides in addressing these concerns, with several projects focused on sustainable agriculture and food safety. Notably, a Ningxia-based company has transformed part of the Sahara Desert into a thriving agricultural hub in Mauritania.
In Jordan, China has supported large-scale vegetable production, now supplying over 100 varieties to 15 countries across Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Similarly, Kenya and Pakistan have benefited from China’s agricultural expertise in silkworm, beef, and vegetable production, leading to improved harvests and crop varieties.
Despite these advancements, global food security remains a challenge. The 2024 FAO report revealed that between 713-757 million people were undernourished in 2023, with projections indicating 582 million people will face chronic hunger by 2030.
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) remains a daunting task.
To tackle these challenges, Xu proposed strengthening food safety governance and international cooperation under BRI, including better coordination, information exchange, and the development of a unified food safety framework.
He emphasized the need for collaboration on food safety laws, quality infrastructure, and the mutual recognition of food certifications.
Representatives from countries such as Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, and Pakistan expressed interest in deepening cooperation and shared governance on food safety, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration for food security and agricultural development.
The forum, hosted by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), brought together officials, diplomats, and experts to discuss the future of food safety and agricultural cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
